Drug Awareness Session made available to Strathmore
Manny Everett
Times Contributor
Just over 30 parents, kids and community members assembled at the Strathmore Youth Club to participate in an information session about Kids and Drugs on Monday night, Feb. 27, hosted by SWAT (Strathmore Wheatland Addiction Team).
Kids and Drugs: A Parent’s Guide to Prevention is a set of parent workshops designed for use in communities across Canada. The workshops are directed at parents who are concerned about preventing their children from drug use and exposure.
People who want to raise their kids in smaller, rural areas are not exempt from the exposure and accessibility of drugs in their communities and neighborhoods.
“Granted the rate of drug use and abuse is higher in cities such as Calgary but Strathmore needs to be reminded that it is on a major drug route (Hwy #1) from B.C. to Ontario,” says Constable Anne Daly of the RCMP detachment in Strathmore.
Daly gave a synopsis to those gathered of the types of drugs that are commonly available in the area as well as effects of such drugs and street names. She also said that the information for those interested can easily be found on the internet and that education is a “key” in knowing about drugs and kids.
Parents are a major influence on their children, whether they realize it or not. They are powerful role models, and they know their children better than anyone else does. Parents were encouraged to talk with their children openly about their (the kids’) knowledge of drugs and their potential uses and availability in their schools and communities. Ask the questions point blank and generally you will get an answer or at least open up the doors of communication. Daly remarked that, “youth are o.k. when (parents or those in authority) use a straight forward approach with them and will often be more open to talking about such things.”
Some of the warning signs from youth being involved with drugs and alcohol were discussed as follows: changes in school performance, loss of interest in school, sports or activities, the presence of new or different friends, defending a known drug user, requests for more spending money, seemingly unaccountable amounts of money, receiving expensive gifts from friends. These are just some of the signs that parents and caregivers can be on the watch for in their youth.
The main drugs Strathmore youth have accessibility to are: cannabis (marijuana), ecstasy and prescription drugs. The street values of drugs vary but it is becoming increasingly easier for young kids with allowances to buy “inexpensive” amounts. For example, the going rate for a “joint” is $5.
Schools and community agencies can also have an important influence on the lives of young people. Therefore, parents may need to work in partnership with them to ensure that their children do not use drugs. Catherine Walsh with Alberta Health Services Addictions and Mental Health said, “there are many resources available to parents and guardians in helping them help their kids.” Addiction and Mental Health (403) 901-1326 and (403) 361-7277, a 24 Hour Help Line 1-866-332-2322, Strathmore RCMP (403) 934-3535, Distress Centre (403) 266-HELP, Child and Youth Services (403) 934-1706, Golden Hills School Division (403) 934-5121 and Holy Cross Collegiate (403) 901-2050
Because the consequences of using drugs can be significant, it is important for communities and families to know the facts and try to find ways to effectively manage these risks. Effectively delivered workshops on drug prevention that are specifically designed for parents can yield tremendous results in any community. For more information about the session or the upcoming sessions of Helping Your Kids Make Good Decisions, Talking with Your Kids, or The Power of Parents contact inquire@youthclubstrathmore.info